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  Welcome to the Italian Catholic Federation Santa Caterina D'Alessandria, Branch 435We welcome Branch 435 to our family, the Italian Catholic Federation. On May 24, 2008 the Grand President, Michael Ross inaugurated 121 charter members under the title of "Santa Caterina D'Alessandria" in the city of Morgan Hill, California. A great deal of credit goes to Jim Friebel, Carmen Kilcullen, and David Botta for the formation of this branch. Charter members and guests assembled in St. Catherine's Church with the Pastor, Father Eugene O'Donnell, Father Daniel Cardelli, Spiritual Director of the Federation, Father Jo-Jo Page, and Deacon Rick Haeckel con-celebrating the Mass. A special flavor was the local Philippino-Americans celebrating "Flores de Mayo" and their music was beautiful. It was a wonderful mix of cultures. Following Mass, the members and guests assembled in the church with Grand Treasurer, and Past Grand President, Carmen Kilcullen as Mistress of Ceremonies. Carmen welcomed everyone, introduced the guests and Grand President Michael Rossi proceeded with the initiation. The installation of the branch officers followed with the assistance of the Parliamentarian of the Central Council, Richard Valli and the Grand 2nd Vice President Jane Dianda. The officers are: Chaplain: Father Eugene O'Donnell President: John Sorci 1st Vice President: Rick Chiala 2nd Vice President: Luciana F. Valenti Recording Secretary: Maureen McManus Corresponding Secretrary: Carol Tacci Financial Secretary: Rosemarie L. Martin Treasurer: Shirley Silva Orator: Johanna Tacci Trustees: Denise Campagna, Richard Della Maggiore and George Guglielmo Sentinel: Alvin McManus Branch Deputy: Andy Pappani, Central Council member and a member of Br. 28 President John Sorci was presented the Branch Charter and gavel by Grand President Michael Rossi. John Sorci spoke highly of the ICF, his pastor and the charter members and the guests. He was grateful for everyone's help. Pastor O'Donnell spoke about his association with the ICF in other parishes and added, "maybe I should change my name to Fr. O'Donnelli". Father Cardelli talked about his experience with the ICF and how the pastor and parishioners could always count on the Federation. He suggested we call Father O'Donnell, "Gino". After grace, a delicious meal of chicken, pasta, salad and strawberries was enjoyed by all. A raffle was held and the branch netted $437.00 A special thanks to the following for their support and attendance: Father Cardelli, Grand President Michael Rossi and First Lady Marcie; 2nd Grand Vice President Jane Dianda; Past Grand President and Treasurer Carmen Kilcullen, husband Larry and daughter Lauren who is president of the Santa Rosa District; Parliamentarian Richard Valli and his wife Lillian; Grand Trustee Roselynne Jarrett, who is president of the Contra Costa District; Sgt. of Arms Andy Pappani; Past Grand President and Life Member Emeritus Larry Marsalli and his wife Elise; Past Grand President Robert Acquistapace and his wife Kathy, who is the Santa Rosa District Deputy; Past Grand President Nettie Descalso-Del Nero and her husband Tom Pollicita; Central Council Members: Dante Galeazzi and his wife Julie who is the Stockton District Deputy; Jim Freibel who is president of the Central Coast District and wife Mary Ann; Bob Basuino and his father Frank; Life Member Emeritus Nello Rossi and his wife Dorothy; Member Emeritus Jerry Delfino and his wife Joan; Central Coast District Deputy Richard Puccinelli; Santa Clara District Deputy Giovanna Rosso and the 2006 Grand President Award Recipient Rosalie Campisi as well as the 2001 Grand President Award Recipient Mae Ferraro. Members were present from Hollister, Tracy, Healdsburg, Merced, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Oakland, Santa Cruz, San Jose, San Francisco, Martinez, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Los Altos and Danville. The evening ended with Nello Rossi leading in singing Noi Vogliam Dio. Quoting Jim Friebel, "I thank all of you for your support and that it has been an honor to be involved with people from my hometown of Morgan Hill. A special thanks to Carmen Kilcullen and David Botta (who could not be with us) for their help as part of the Expansion Committee and all of the Central Council members. By working together, we were able to bring 121 members into our family. This special event is a good example of what we can accomplish if we work together to expand and preserve the ideals and aims of the Italian Catholic Federation. As Central Council members, we will always be there to help you. May God help us in our efforts." Italian Catholic Federation, 8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110, Oakland CA 94621 tel: 888/ICF-1924; 510/633-9058; fax: 510/633-9758; Email: info@icf.org Website designed by HYPERSPHERE |